Condemnations poured in after a suicide bomber targeted Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, leaving at least 31 worshippers dead and dozens wounded during Friday prayer.
Officials fear the death toll may rise as emergency services remain on high alert across the capital, while all major hospitals have declared an emergency. Authorities have mobilised doctors, nurses and paramedics to ensure immediate treatment for the injured.
Rescue teams shifted the injured to different hospitals across the capital while security forces cordoned off the area and began evidence collection.
Eyewitnesses say the attacker opened fire at the entrance before detonating explosives after guards tried to stop him at the main gate.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and sorrow over the blast, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and praying for patience for the bereaved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, voicing profound anguish over the martyrdoms and extending sympathies to the affected families.
Following the tragic incident, PM Shehbaz Sharif ordered immediate identification and arrest of those responsible.
Acts of terror unacceptable: US
The United States has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that left innocent worshippers dead and injured, saying all acts of terror and violence are unacceptable, US Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement.
US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker expressed sincere condolences to those wounded and to the families of those killed in the bombing.
The embassy stated that violence against civilians and places of worship cannot be justified.
It reiterated that the US continues to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance peace and security and remains committed to the bilateral partnership aimed at promoting stability. The embassy added that Washington stands with Islamabad during this challenging moment.
‘Outraged and heartbroken’
UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said she is “outraged and heartbroken” by the horrific attack at the imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayer. She extends her thoughts and prayers to those killed and injured and to their families.
The British envoy termed such violence abhorrent and expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan in the wake of the tragedy.
Islamabad attack ‘hideous act’: Iran envoy
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Islamabad, describing it as a hideous act that led to the martyrdom and injury of dozens of innocent civilians.
He conveyed the condemnation on behalf of the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Australia stands with Pakistan: envoy
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane said he is shocked and saddened by the horrific attack at a mosque in Islamabad.
He expressed his thoughts for the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by the tragedy.
The envoy conveyed Australia’s solidarity with Pakistan, saying his country stands and mourns with the Pakistani people at this difficult time.
Canada condemns blast
Canada’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan condemned the Islamabad imambargah blast. He extended prayers to first responders and hoped for the swift recovery of the survivors.
The envoy offered condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the tragedy.
This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.
